Christ is the perfect mediator between God and humanity

31st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) Nov. 5 (Deuteronomy 6:2-6; Psalm 18; Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 12:28-34)

People go out of their way to make religion a frightfully complicated affair. But it is simple — not easy, but uncomplicated.

Faith will keep you whole

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) Oct. 29 (Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126; Hebrews 5:1-6; Mark 10:46-52)

The seventh and sixth centuries BC were at least as violent and uncertain as our own times. Death and devastation came swiftly and mercilessly for nations and cities who failed to submit to the Assyrians. In 722 BC, the Northern Kingdom of Israel ceased to exist, as it was laid waste and its inhabitants dispersed or taken captive.

Those seeking Jesus willingly serve others

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B), Oct. 22 (Isaiah 53:4, 10-11; Psalm 33; Hebrews 4:14-16; Mark 10:35-45)

Who was the suffering servant of Isaiah? Obviously it referred to an anonymous figure in the prophet’s own time — the sixth century before Christ. He was a figure whom others reckoned as a loser, for he appeared to be suffering needlessly. And yet there was much more than meets the eye, for he was a man on a mission from God of great importance to his people.

True 'wisdom figures' reflect God's truth

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B), Oct. 15 (Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30)

Who are the "wisdom figures" of our culture? Genuine wisdom figures are not those who have all the answers or possess the truth. Rather, wise people are those who have mastered the art of living as an authentic human being.